Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the Dr. Martens Day festival, held on October 12th at the Ex Macello in Milan, a sense of mystery surrounded the surprise guest performer. Whispers and speculation buzzed through the crowd, adding to the excitement of a festival that embraced spontaneity and a rejection of expectations. This unique event, organized by MI AMI, featured a lineup of talented artists including Fulminacci, Le Feste Antonacci, Generic Animal, and Lorenzza, all united by a shared passion for music and a desire to let loose. It was in this environment that I found myself face-to-face with the enigmatic Naska, clad in clown makeup, just like the persona he embodies on his newly released album, ‘The Freak Show.’
Naska’s music is a reflection of his own life, a tapestry woven with threads of exhilarating parties, profound regrets, emotional scars, and a sense of feeling misunderstood. His latest album, ‘The Freak Show,’ is a testament to his vulnerability, his lyrics echoing the sentiments expressed in his song ‘Pagliaccio,’ where he sings, ‘How I wish I could stay on stage / Never descend and know that everything is over / Never take off this clown costume / And remain here in front of you forever with a smile.’ There’s an underlying sincerity and nostalgia in his punk rock sound, a raw honesty that resonates with listeners.
I met Naska in a dimly lit corner of the Ex Macello, a space that once housed the Macao, a vibrant social center tragically closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic film, with graffiti-covered walls, balconies, staircases, and a sprawling dance floor. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the festival, yet it perfectly encapsulated Naska’s artistic persona, a playful and poignant blend of darkness and light.
Despite the initial shock of encountering a clown-dressed artist, I quickly realized that Naska, like his music, was an invitation to delve deeper. He wasn’t a clown eager to make me laugh, but rather a contemplative figure seeking a moment to share his story. While we didn’t have a formal interview in that corner of the Ex Macello, I emailed him questions, and in response, received witty, brief messages filled with emojis and boisterous laughter.
Naska’s music often delves into themes of mental health, and in interviews, he encourages those struggling to seek professional help. However, he himself doesn’t engage in therapy, embracing the paradox of the troubled artist. When I presented him with the New York Times article, ‘What Happens When an Artist Goes to Therapy?,’ which challenges the myth of the tortured artist, he responded with a characteristically introspective answer: ‘What happens? I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out. I write mostly during moments of down, when I’m feeling bad. When I’m feeling good, I go out, just like Tenco said. I don’t want to risk it. If I knew how to manage these dark moments, would I be able to write the same way? I like to take risks. I’ve always risked everything, but I can’t do that with this. Writing and singing are all I have.’
Naska’s life is a delicate balance between the thrill of late nights and the solitary pursuit of his craft, writing songs from the depths of his heart. He readily admits to being a self-saboteur, saying, ‘I can’t help but make this life damn hard. If it were peaceful, what would I have to write about in my songs?’ He thrives on the chaos, a testament to his punk rock spirit. ‘Punk is how I live, my way of thinking and doing things,’ he explains. ‘I don’t have a mohawk, but inside I feel like a goddamn punkabbestia,’ he says, referencing his song ‘Punkabbestia,’ which embodies his artistic manifesto. This song is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their passions, work hard, create honest music, and not dwell on the disillusionment of the future. Instead, celebrate life and find joy in the moment.
At 27 years old, Naska finds himself at a crossroads, a pivotal age in the punk rock landscape. While he admits to feeling a sense of unease, he embraces it, choosing not to fight against it. After all, his chest tattoo, ‘No Future,’ a tribute to the Sex Pistols and the punk movement, serves as a reminder that the world is in disarray and there may not be a bright future ahead. So, he chooses to embrace the present, to revel in the moment, and to live life to the fullest.
The iconic Dr. Martens boots have been a constant companion for Naska, a symbol of his punk rock identity. Originally designed for the working class in the 1940s, these boots have been adopted by various subcultures, from skinheads to the punk movement. Dr. Martens are the ultimate punk footwear, and Naska acknowledges that he sees them more often at his concerts than in nightclubs. He’s proud to be part of a subculture, a unique group that doesn’t conform to mainstream trends. ‘We’re part of a subculture? Good. Let’s stay “like no other,”’ he says, referencing Dr. Martens’s current motto, which emphasizes individuality and authenticity. The brand has embraced this concept wholeheartedly, even resetting their Instagram profiles and replacing all posts with the bold claim ‘Like No Other.’ Naska embraces this message, seeing it as a reflection of his own artistic journey. ‘Like No Other’ suits me perfectly. One of the songs on my album, ‘La Mia Stanza,’ is called ‘Mai Come Gli Altri’ (Never Like the Others), so it resonates with me. There’s always a choice that makes you ‘Like No Other,’ and for me, it’s always been the most fun, because often people look at you and think, ‘This guy’s crazy.’ Maybe they’re right, let them think that.’
Naska’s story is a testament to the power of individuality, the beauty of embracing the unconventional, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through his music, he invites listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and acceptance. His music is a reminder that it’s okay to be different, to be ‘like no other,’ and to embrace the chaos that comes with living life on the edge.
